The government is suggesting that it might ban some Apple security updates. Under the latest plans, tech companies would need to notify the British government before rolling out a security fix but might be refused permission if it blocks a vulnerability that’s being exploited by security services.
That and I’m sure they would if they thought they could get away with it but know they can’t. Saying approval is needed means you’re not just admitting you’re spying on your own people, but that you do not think they have a right to privacy in the first place.